Cause:
The question is often asked, is it OK to replace the individual batteries inside the battery modules/units or use refurbished battery modules in my UPS?

Resolution:
The answer is: No, we strongly discourage this practice, due to the following reasons.

- New Battery Modules are factory assembled using new batteries, wires, terminals and Battery Management PCB. Once assembled, the batteries are voltage and load tested to validate all batteries, connections, and communication.

- The connectors in these battery modules are designed for one time use only. Disconnecting and reconnecting them damages the locking mechanism and can loosen the terminal causing loose, overheated connections, or short circuits.

- There is a Battery Management PCB in each module that is factory set based on the manufacturer and model of battery. This information is used by the UPS to identify the type of battery, measure voltage, current, and temperature. It uses the information to adjust the charging level, calculate run time, or fault a defective battery. This PCB is not reprogrammable.

- Reconditioned battery modules may not communicate with the UPS. This could impair system operation causing fault alarms in the UPS, or a load drop due to DC Voltage Collapse.

- Schneider does not provide support for third party / refurbished batteries. If we dispatch to troubleshoot faults that occur because of refurbished batteries, the visit would be billable regardless of contract or warranty status on the UPS or Battery frame.

- Unauthorized modification of a component assembly voids the system UL/IEC/CE rating / listings. As such in the USA, it could also be a OSHA violation in case of injury.